Rheumatology Expert Witnesses

I have been working in the field of physical therapy for 35 years. I hold degrees in both physical therapy and exercise physiology. Throughout my career, I have treated patients in a wide variety of settings. I have worked in an acute rehabilitation facility, a sports medicine practice, a specialized hand clinic, several hospitals and multiple home care agencies. Home health care and hospital care have encompassed the majority of my professional practice. In the hospital setting I have experience treating patients at all levels of acuity; intensive care, rehabilitation and outpatient. I have numerous areas of specialized training; industrial rehabilitation, brain injury, cardiac rehabilitation, high risk pregnancy, prenatal exercise, chronic pain, spinal cord injury, wound care and aquatic therapy. I have provided instruction and training to students during their clinical rotations. In the hospital setting, I have provided supervision to physical therapy assistants and physical therapy aides adhering to the guidelines of the American Physical Therapy Association. While treating patients with complex diagnosis, I have worked with a multitude of disciplines and participated in case conferences with doctors, nurses, occupational therapists, respiratory therapists, speech therapists, psychologists and family members. I have actively been been involved in these multidisciplinary conferences in all settings as in integral part of quality patient care and planning. I have been working in the home care setting continuously for the past 10 years providing patient care throughout the San Fernando Valley. Treatment of patients in a home setting requires me to be knowledgeable about medication use and teaching, dietary education and guidance, home safety and modifications, counseling patients and family regarding caregiver needs, providing community resources, facilitating equipment ordering and maintenance, and responsible reporting of any and all abuse. My scope of practice includes patient of all ages, socioeconomic status, cultures and medical complexity in a variety of settings. My patients diagnoses and level of complexity range from a routine joint replacement program to an extended recovery and closely monitored heart transplant protocol. I participate in chart review, quality management, utilization review and orientation of new employees. I am offering my services as a physical therapy expert witness.